House opens session, hears prayer, approves prior minutes and recesses for caucuses

The House was called to order and the clerk called the roll, confirming a quorum at the start of the session. The presiding officer announced that the flags would be escorted to the rostrum by the sergeant-at-arms color guard, naming Ryan Sergeant and Martha Gilmore. The chamber recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pastor David Selstrom of the Remnant Church of Tumwater offered the opening prayer, invoking Scripture and calling for moral renewal and unity. In closing he said, "In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen." The prayer was introduced by the presiding officer.

The presiding officer moved that "the minutes of the preceding day will stand approved." Hearing no objection, the minutes were approved by unanimous consent, with the chair stating, "Hearing no objection, so order."

The presiding officer then recognized the member from the 30th District, Representative Cortez, who said, "The Democrats will caucus immediately." A separate announcement indicated Republicans would caucus in five minutes. The chair recessed the House "for the purpose of caucus," placing the chamber at ease to allow party meetings.

The transcript did not specify a date, state, or location for the session. All attributions in this article are taken from explicit introductions or statements in the transcript: Pastor David Selstrom was introduced to deliver the prayer, and Representative Cortez was introduced before the caucus announcement.